Introduction
Democracy is a continuous process that requires constant effort to remain strong. Simply adopting democracy isn’t enough; it needs active protection from threats. This chapter discusses global challenges to democracy and focuses on specific challenges faced by Indian democracy, such as communalism, terrorism, corruption, and social issues. It also suggests steps to make Indian democracy successful.
Global Challenges to Democracy
Claim vs. Reality:
- Many countries claim to be democratic, but few truly protect people’s rights, freedoms, and welfare.
Military Takeovers:
- Some democracies face the risk of military control, which threatens democratic values.
Spreading Democratic Values:
- A major global challenge is ensuring all nations adopt true democracy that prioritizes people’s well-being.
Weak Democratic Values:
- Even in established democracies, values like freedom, equality, and justice are often weak in practice.
Need for Deep-Rooted Democracy:
- Democracy should be a way of life, not just elections or government structures.
- It requires inclusion, citizen empowerment, autonomy for institutions, and protection of human values.
Challenges Before Indian Democracy
Indian democracy faces several serious challenges that affect its functioning and people’s trust.
1. Communalism and Terrorism
Communalism:
- Conflicts between religious groups create social tension and disrupt stability.
Terrorism:
- Resulting from religious hostility, terrorism reduces people’s participation in democracy due to fear.
Impact:
- Both harm social harmony and weaken trust in the democratic process.
2. Left Extremism (Naxalism)
Origin:
- Started as a movement to fight injustice against landless farmers and tribal people.
Current Nature:
- Now a violent struggle using tactics like attacking police and opposing government policies.
Shift in Focus:
- The original issues of farmers and tribals are less emphasized, with violence taking center stage.
Impact:
- Creates unrest in affected areas, challenging democratic governance.
3. Corruption
Extent:
- Corruption is widespread in India’s public sector, including politics and administration.
Effects:
- Reduces government efficiency due to delays, poor services, and financial scams.
- Leads to public distrust and dissatisfaction with the government.
In Elections:
- Practices like bogus voting, bribing voters, and abducting voters erode confidence in democracy.
4. Family Monopoly in Politics
Issue:
- Political power is often controlled by a single family, limiting opportunities for others.
Impact:
- Reduces democratic space and prevents common people from participating in politics.
5. Criminalization of Politics
Problem:
- Political parties sometimes give tickets to candidates with criminal backgrounds or facing corruption charges.
Effects:
- Increases the role of money and muscle power in politics.
- Leads to violence during elections, undermining fairness.
Impact:
- Harms the integrity of the democratic process.
6. Social Challenges
Issues:
- Unemployment, unequal resource distribution, growing rich-poor gap, and caste-based discrimination.
Impact:
- These create social unrest and inequality, weakening the foundation of democracy.
Steps to Make Indian Democracy Successful
To overcome these challenges and strengthen democracy, the following measures are essential:
1. Inclusive Decision-Making
Majority Rule with Minority Inclusion:
- Democracy relies on majority opinion (e.g., majority party forms the government).
- However, minorities (religious, linguistic, ethnic, or caste groups) must also be included in decision-making.
Why?:
- Prevents injustice to marginalized groups and ensures all voices are heard.
Goal:
- The government should represent all communities, not just the majority.
2. Role of Judiciary
Transparency in Politics:
- The judiciary works to make the political process open and fair.
Preventing Criminalization:
- Imposes strict punishments for criminals.
- Prohibits criminals from contesting elections.
Impact:
- Reduces the influence of money and muscle power in politics.
3. Government and Administrative Efforts
Decentralization:
- Power has been distributed to local levels to involve more citizens.
Reservations:
- 50% seats are reserved for women in local self-governing bodies to increase their participation.
Schemes and Programs:
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Promotes education for all.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Focuses on cleanliness.
- Gram Samruddhi Yojana: Aims at rural development.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Provides jobs to rural people.
- Self-Help Groups: Empower women and communities economically.
Purpose:
- These initiatives increase citizen involvement and improve living standards.
4. Increased Public Participation
Why Needed?:
- Democracy thrives when people actively participate at all levels, especially in government.
Impact:
- More participation leads to better public policies that reflect people’s needs.
How?:
- Interaction between the government and citizens, including those not in power, ensures inclusive policies.
5. Individual and Social Responsibility
Values to Practice:
- Equality, liberty, social justice, and secularism should guide personal and social life.
Citizen Responsibility:
- Everyone must act as a responsible citizen, respecting democratic values.
Impact:
- Living these values strengthens democracy at the grassroots level.
6. Internal Democracy in Political Parties
Issue:
- Political parties often lack internal elections for organizational roles.
Need:
- Parties should hold internal elections to ensure fairness and democracy within their structure.
Impact:
- Promotes transparency and encourages wider participation in politics.
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